One glance at Jared Leake’s surf-filled artwork and it's clear the former East Coaster was lured west by endless summers and the California dream. “The warm climate, outdoor culture, and epic Pacific Ocean are what drew me out,” he says of his decision to move to California in 2011. Today, the Santa Cruz transplant makes the most of his adopted home through surfing, trekking local trails, and creating contemporary artwork that captures the good vibes and striking scenery of the local landscape in a new way. We asked him to share a little about his process, where he goes to get inspired, and where he finds the perfect pint of local brew.

Earlier this year, Santa Cruz lost a beloved local legend. Jack O’Neill, the surf pioneer credited with developing the wetsuit and changing surfing forever, passed away on June 2, 2017 at age 94 in his home in Santa Cruz. With a full scraggly beard and pirate-like black eye patch—the result of a surfing injury—the rakish O’Neill was a local icon, often seen cruising around town in his Jaguar and bellowing out surfing tips to those surfing outside his cliffside house in Pleasure Point.

With 300 days of sunshine, it’s no wonder outdoor patios abound in the Santa Cruz area. From beachfront decks to secret garden patios, the following open-air spots allow you and your four-legged dining companions to soak up plenty of scenery and summer sun.

If you have yet to attend a First Friday, Santa Cruz County’s massive monthly art party, you may be wondering what all the fuss is about. Yet once you go, you’ll understand why the popular event draws a lively, fun-loving crowd. Below, we’ve broken down First Friday basics—what it is and what to expect—so you can mark your calendar and join the fun!

Visit Santa Cruz County is a private, non-profit corporation, serving as the official visitor marketing entity for Santa Cruz County. Visit Santa Cruz County works to enhance tourism, the visitor experience, and the area economy by positioning and promoting Santa Cruz County as a year-around visitor, conference and film destination.